05-24-2010, 07:08 PM
A friend of mine asked me "why do you collect timetables"? Good question with many answers.
First of all, I started collecting because I was interested in railroads and their operations. I started my railroad career with NYS&W as a conductor back in 86. That started my collecting, in a way, because I was "given" 4 timetables to study. NYS&W operated over 4 seperate railroads (NYS&W, CONRAIL, NJT and D&H).. I had to pass qualifying exams on all 4 in order to work. Thus, the collecting bug started.
I was surprised to see that, despite being all different railroads, they all have similiar operating practices and rules. It was then that I saw an ad in the union newsletter from a railroad employee who was selling timetables. So I wrote to him and requested some info. He sent me a list along with a few "freebies" to get me started (or set the hook). That's all it took. I started collecting from that point. We still trade together and remain good friends because of timetables.
But I also found, being a modeler too, that timetables make a GREAT reference tool too. Timetables are "chuck full" of useful information. Some timetables (ATSF, CP) actually have track diagrams as well as grade profiles too. I am not trying to advertise here (honest
I am just letting you know of another great inexpensive modeling tools out there. Pick one up from your favorite road and see how they "run". You will be surprised what you can find out. I'll be happy to share any information about them with you.
First of all, I started collecting because I was interested in railroads and their operations. I started my railroad career with NYS&W as a conductor back in 86. That started my collecting, in a way, because I was "given" 4 timetables to study. NYS&W operated over 4 seperate railroads (NYS&W, CONRAIL, NJT and D&H).. I had to pass qualifying exams on all 4 in order to work. Thus, the collecting bug started.
I was surprised to see that, despite being all different railroads, they all have similiar operating practices and rules. It was then that I saw an ad in the union newsletter from a railroad employee who was selling timetables. So I wrote to him and requested some info. He sent me a list along with a few "freebies" to get me started (or set the hook). That's all it took. I started collecting from that point. We still trade together and remain good friends because of timetables.
But I also found, being a modeler too, that timetables make a GREAT reference tool too. Timetables are "chuck full" of useful information. Some timetables (ATSF, CP) actually have track diagrams as well as grade profiles too. I am not trying to advertise here (honest
I am just letting you know of another great inexpensive modeling tools out there. Pick one up from your favorite road and see how they "run". You will be surprised what you can find out. I'll be happy to share any information about them with you.
Doing my best to stay on track and to live each day to it's fullest, trying not to upset people along the way. I have no enemies.....just friends who don't understand my point of view.
Steve
Let's go Devils!
Steve
Let's go Devils!